Pericak, making a tackle against Sacramento State, hasn't let Type 1 diabetes stop him from being a four-year starter on CU's defensive line. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post

CU senior defensive lineman Will Pericak was diagnosed as being diabetic when he was a Boulder High freshman. David Zalubowski, The Associated Press

CU senior Will Pericak, in the weight room at the Dal Ward Center last week, is showing that "a diabetic can do anything," his doctor says. Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

University of Colorado DL Will Pericak, left, tackles Sacramento State RB Ezekiel Graham in the 4th quarter of the game at Folsom Field. Boulder, CO. Saturday, September, 8, 2012. Sacramento State won 30-28. Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post

BOULDER — Will Pericak has grown into a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman at Colorado. But during his freshman year at Boulder High School, he suddenly began to lose weight.

Then 15 years old, Will hoped and prayed that his fears were unfounded. His brother, Thomas, is four years older and had been diagnosed as a diabetic while in the first grade. The entire family knew all the symptoms.

Regarding their children, Pat and Wynn Pericak (pronounced Pre-check) also were aware that just 5 percent of Type 1 diabetics have a sibling with the disease. In addition to sons Thomas and Will, they have a daughter, Zoe.

“We were playing the odds,” Pat Pericak said. “Unfortunately, we were wrong. At least having gone through it with Thomas, we caught Will’s diabetes fast.”

Will Pericak manages his diabetic condition so well that a majority of Buffs fans may be unaware of his condition, unless they happen to spot him checking his blood sugar levels on the bench during games.

“Will is always in good control with his diabetes — one of the best I’ve seen,” said Dr. Raymond S. Gutin
of the renowned Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora.

Gutin, a former team physician for the Broncos, attends to the Pericak brothers.

“A lot of it depends on how you were raised, how your parents handle diabetes,” Gutin said. “If they handle it with fear and have fear instilled in the diabetic, there can be problems. If you don’t have fear, a diabetic can do anything, as Will has shown with football.”

“You have to stay on top of it”

Pat Pericak said having Thomas “blaze the trail” with diabetes made coping easier for Will. Not easy, but easier.

Will saw how Thomas, who now works in the banking industry, was able to play four years of basketball at Boulder High.

“When you’re 15, you think you can conquer anything,” Pat said. “Something like being diagnosed with diabetes can ruin your psyche. Will wouldn’t allow that to happen.”

Still, getting the diagnosis “was a curveball that you’re not expecting,” Will said. “It forced me to watch what I eat and how exercise affects blood sugar. You have to stay on top of it. With football, that’s kept me in shape and being as healthy as I can, which is important for a diabetic. It’s an extra step that most people don’t have to take. It’s definitely a challenge.”

During games, and with the help of CU trainers, Pericak checks his blood sugar levels at least every other defensive series.

For a diabetic, maintaining a normal level of blood sugar becomes a balancing act. Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the production of the hormone insulin by the pancreas is impaired. Insulin regulates the body’s utilization of sugars and other carbohydrates.

If the blood sugar is too high, a diabetic can become lethargic and will underperform while active. In that case, insulin is needed. If the blood sugar is too low, a diabetic also is likely to underperform during activities but also may incur symptoms of shaking, memory loss, blurred vision and loss of mental focus. In that case, the diabetic may need to consume food or liquids in order to replenish sugars and carbohydrates.

During practices and games, the CU training staff keeps a close eye on Pericak. Snacks and bottles of Gatorade are always within quick reach. So is insulin, if Pericak needs an injection. The normal range of blood sugars is 80 to 120.

Pericak said he has never had “any scary moments” during a game. “My teammates definitely know the symptoms and reactions,” he said. “If I snap at somebody, they’ll say, ‘Will, are you low?’ “

Apart from football activities, Pericak routinely gives himself an insulin injection after meals. He tried using the insulin pump during his senior year at Boulder High and said he plans to eventually go back to the pump. “It just doesn’t work well with football,” Pericak said. “That year in high school, it kept coming unattached when I played.”

Adams struggled at times in practices and during games last season in dealing with a lack of stamina. But he was referred to CU’s Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes and is happy to report that his energy level has improved, his diabetes under better control.

CU basketball trainer Trae Tashiro routinely helps Adams check his blood sugar levels during practices and as often as half a dozen times during a game.

“It’s a bit of a pain,” Adams said, “because when I’m locked into something, like a practice or a game, I don’t like to stop. But it’s something I know I have to do.”

Pericak, meanwhile, is looking to finish out this senior season with a flourish. He played linebacker and tight end at Boulder High and arrived as a 235-pounder. He will leave CU as a four-year starter on the defensive line, and 50 pounds heavier.

Coaches say Pericak is having his best season and has thrived since moving from tackle to end following the season opener. He leads CU defensive linemen with 27 tackles, four quarterback pressures (tied with Chidera Uzo-Diribe) and four passes broken up.

“He’s a guy that is going to play on Sunday,” CU coach Jon Embree said of Pericak’s NFL aspirations.

A business finance major, Pericak also has earned conference all-academic honors three times, twice in the Big 12 and last year in the Pac-12.

Colorado junior linebacker Derrick Webb shakes his head in amazement at what Pericak has accomplished.

“A lot of us have things we worry about like shoulders and ankles,” Webb said. “But Will has a real condition that he has to take care of. Regardless of that, he’s still on top of his football and his schoolwork. He takes nothing off.”

Pericak said he would feel honored if he becomes an inspiration to others afflicted with Type 1 diabetes.

“Some people may think diabetes will hold you back from sports,” Pericak said. “For me, having to control it and being in tune with my body has actually helped me in sports. It has helped me live a healthy lifestyle.

“I’d say to those little kids out there with diabetes that want to play football, you definitely can. It shouldn’t hold you back.”

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